by Dessere Givertz

Mike Parsons, the former Modesto Christian’s coach, is filling the vacant spot of the new head football coach for Clovis West next year.

“I’m real happy where I’m at, but you’ve got to take a look at Clovis West when it opens. It’s a pretty special job,” Parsons said.

Parsons was one of eight applicants trying for the job. Other candidates for the job included the temporary Clovis West coach Coby Lindsey, former Clovis West coach Randy Blankenship, Fowler coach Jim O’Brien, Merced coach Rob Scheidt, St. Bonaventure-Ventura coach Todd Therrien, a former coach of Crespi-Encino Jeremiah Ross, and the Clovis North assistant coach Cory Hall.

While a coach at Modesto Christian for six years, Parsons, “chose to apply because of the rich history and tradition.  It is also an opportunity to move home. I believe the potential at Clovis West is endless.  I am most excited about my 3 daughters growing up as Golden Eagles and enjoying the many opportunities offered at Clovis West and its feeder schools.”

Parsons expects his future players to have good character, to hustle, and to have enthusiasm. He believes that character wins championships, hustle wins games, and enthusiasm wins great practices.

CW Principal Ben Drati said when choosing the future coach, “I have to be comfortable with someone who I think will be successful and also stick around. Stability is important.”

“I have no aspirations to coach college or leave the state. I’ve been told Clovis West is the best football job in Central Valley,” Parsons said, “I’m tickled to death; I’m not going anywhere.”

Parsons has already made plans and strategies for the team. “My plans are to win a State Championship. We will play with great enthusiasm and discipline.  The Clovis West student body and fans will enjoy watching our offense,” Parsons said, “We will be very high tempo and explosive. Our defense will create a lot of problems for the TRAC offenses with over 800 blitz and coverage combinations. Our special teams will be great and will win a game or two for us.”

Parsons formal approval with the district board was February 10. He was interviewed by the Clovis Unified superintendent David Cash and assistant superintendents Jeanne Hatfield and Steve France.

Parsons won’t be an off-campus football coach. Although it is unknown for what class he will be teaching, he would prefer to teach English.

“I have my BA and California State Credential in English.  I do plan on teaching English.  But, I’m a team player, where I’m needed is where I’ll go. I’m really looking forward to being on campus and meeting everyone,” Parsons said.